The Friday Evening Curry-Heute Ritual in the company of Dr. Stan has been restored. With Kenny and Mags on board, Four would Feast at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) at 17.00. As ever the order was texted to Shkoor, Mein Host earlier this week: Two Kilos of the Wondrous Goshat Karahi (with bones). Whilst Chapattis should accompany, One Portion of Vegetable Rice to share, and if a Portion of the Yadgar Vegetable Curry is available, the visit will be even more memorable. As ever, no Capsicum, anywhere please.
This would be Kenny’s First Visit, the Sides had to be sampled.
Dr. Stan was First to arrive, seriously early at 16.40, with Hector a few minutes later. Kenny and Mags were in situ by 16.50. Punctuality rules, here we go.
A New Chap is serving at tables, a Family straight from school were finishing, two other tables were occupied initially. Naveed was holding the fort as ever. This is not as expected – was Kenny’s first take on Yadgar. He is relatively new to the Glasgow Curry Cafe Scene, wait until we squeeze him into the Desi – Curry Palace or treat him to Glasgow’s finest Keema Mutter at Cafe Reeshah.
Dr. Stan-dup
A Pile of Poppadoms, Two Dips, a Salad and Spiced Onion were delivered without comment. As these were devoured Dr. Stan asked – Is that it? Can we go now? Our Chap emerged from the Kitchen with a Platter of Spiced Haddock and another Salad. Usually the Fish is presented when the Order is – To be Fed. This was a surprise inclusion. Three Pieces, but they were Whale sized, and all this before the Karahi.
The Haddock was Subtly Spiced, Fresh and cooked in foil to Perfection. The Dips and the New Salad came into their own, a Wonderful Combination.
The Fish went down a treat, a First for Mags and Kenny who realised that in any Restaurant this Starter would be Pricey. At Yadgar, it simply arrives. Dr. Stan was emitting – Mmmms – already as he methodically cleared his plate. Dr. Stan repeated his question – Can we go now?
Mt. Karahi
Our Chap presented the Highest Mountain of Goshat Karahi ever set before the Hector. Two Plates of the Excellent Yadgar Vegetable Rice accompanied with Three Chapattis. They got this bang on. A Plate of Aloo Gobi and another of Light Daal also accompanied. Archie, when you read this – Drool! Anytime.
The Karahi was too hot to handle and so everything was carefully passed around the table. Mags was permitted First Go at the Karahi. Methinks this Photo may appear elsewhere in weeks to come. The Potato content of the Vegetable Rice and the Aloo Gobi would make her day, Potatoes are her Favourite Food.
My Favourite Food – remarked Mags. How’s this for accurate reporting? Unlike Nick Robinson’s (BBC) self-flattering editing of his question to Alex Salmond midweek.
Shkoor, Mein Host appeared as we were tucking in.
You are not expecting serious conversation at the moment? I asked. We were up to our elbows in Curry.
This may be your last Yadgar Curry in the United Kingdom. – was his declaration as he gave us the necessary Time and Space.
Kenny was below par today and was hoping the Yadgar Experience would clear his head. Having taken his First Portion, he Dipped the Masala, down, down, deeper and down. He remarked on the Intensity of Flavour coming from the Base of the Karahi. The Masala is what creates the oft quoted – Yadgar Experience. This was so Rich, Thick, yet the Oily Tint remains. Glorious Curry.
Two Kilos of Lamb may sound ridiculous to some, with the Bones it is well manageable. Hector and Dr. Stan’s plates had Bones stripped bare piling up on the side. Kenny has yet to learn how to strip a bone. Sucky Bones.
How The Chef can create so much Flavour in an Aloo Gobi remains a Mystery to this Commentator. This and the Daal added to the share of Vegetable Rice provided an Array of Interesting Vegetables. It has been a while since we had Rice here. Chef Arshad was apparently not on the premises at this time, though he may well have prepared the Karahi. Somehow Slivers of the Dreaded Capsicum had sneaked into the Rice. These were dealt with appropriately. A Half Kilo and Rice used to feel excessive, it appears we do take the Meat Quantity in our stride. What Diet? It’s Friday.
Second Portions were taken by all. The end game approached, Dr. Stan swept the Base of the Karahi, Hector scooped the last of the Masala. Dregs of Rice and Chapatti was all that remained.
Shkoor was able to join us again briefly, the Venue was filling up and the succession of Folk seeking Takeaways was continuous. Mags stated she had never seen Yadgar so busy, normally it is a mid-Saturday afternoon when she has visited.
Dessert? – offered Shkoor. One day I’ll get you to have Dessert.
I reminded Shkoor of Dr. Stan and Hector’s days at Cafe Salma when we would order a share of Kofta Palak for Dessert. Dr. Stan was quick to interject – We don’t want that.
Shkoor observed the Hector note-taking.
I’m writing Lies for a Blog I write, saying favourable things about the Food here.
He knows you well – observed Kenny. He has the measure of your banter.
The Favourable Comments
…. or how impressed was Kenny?
Stunning, Intense Flavours coming from The Sauce. (Sauce?) I didn’t think Lasani Grill could be bettered, however, this was Deeply Satisfying.
Dr. Stan was waxing too: Brilliant as ever, hard to imagine a Better Curry. Can we sleep now? Is there a bed upstairs?
The Bill
Yadgar was stowed. Shkoor was busy carving Donner. Naveed and he were being overwhelmed by the demand for Takeaways. Every Table was full. The New Chap was issuing Menus, a rare sight. A Huge Naan covered in Tikka Something wowed Kenny. There was Speculation as to The Cost. I approached the Counter and asked Shkoor if we could settle up.
The Haggle
A Sum was quoted. No way! Marg is the only other person known to Hector who Haggles Inversely. A Higher price was quoted. Then you”ll just get a Bigger Tip. The Customary £15.00 Sterling, Our Currency, per head was paid. Honour was maintained.
So long, and thanks for the Fish..
The Aftermath
The Four went their separate ways. Dr. Stan would join Hector later at the Camperdown for the unveiling of this season’s NZPA. The Prognosis is Excellent. Oh, Yes!
This may be Hector’s last Glasgow Curry for some time. The next posting may be from a soon to be Foreign Land and subsequently – The Far East.
Yep! Drool indeed. I will have to pay a visit soon. Sigh!